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Bachelor of Arts in
Ministry

On-Campus

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Wall Street Journal ranks Cornerstone University as one of America's best colleges 2026.

Accepting Applications for August 2026 & January 2027
Schedule a Campus Visit
Transfer Friendly
Transfer up to 75% of your program credits

Lead Lasting Impact with a Ministry Bachelor’s Degree

Fulfill your calling with a Cornerstone University B.A. in Ministry. Cultivate strong biblical foundations and practical training for ministry in churches, nonprofits, and global missions. Our Christian worldview scholars and faculty — many of whom are active pastors — equip you to preach, disciple, counsel, and lead with wisdom and compassion. You may specialize through concentrations in pastoral, discipleship and formation, student and family, children and family and cross-cultural ministries. At Cornerstone, you will deepen your walk with Christ, so you can lead others spiritually.

Develop Ministry-Ready Skills with a Ministry Bachelor's Degree

Cultivate highly sought-after professional skills through Cornerstone’s Biblically grounded curriculum, which also offers five concentrations in pastoral, discipleship & formation, student & family, children & family and cross-cultural ministries:

Biblical Interpretation – Study and apply biblically faithful Old and New Testament Scripture with historical, theological, and practical understanding.

Teaching – Communicate biblical truths clearly and effectively.

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Pastoral Care – Provide spiritual guidance and emotional support.

Discipleship & Spiritual Formation – Equip and mentor others in their faith journey.

Leadership & Ministry Management – Oversee church and nonprofit operations, including administration, budgeting and fundraising.

Missions, Cross-Cultural Ministry & Community Outreach – Engage diverse communities with the Gospel, develop outreach programs and serve those in need.

Ethical & Servant Leadership – Lead with integrity, humility and Christ-centered formation.

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Conflict Resolution – Navigate challenges and foster unity within churches and ministries.

Courses

Cornerstone is ready to help you excel in your chosen field. The information below reflects just a few of the general education and industry-focused courses you will experience to achieve your degree.

Featured Courses

MIN-151: Foundations of Christian Spirituality

Examine the nature and process of spiritual growth, the centrality of God’s love in the Gospel, and the role of Scripture to deepen our spiritual lives and develop ministries that meet spiritual and societal needs.

MIN-220: Foundations of Global Mission

Study the mission of the church, God’s work in the world, and the call to share the gospel of Jesus Christ, with practical focus on healthy global partnerships and contemporary ministry practices.

MIN-221: Teach and Learn for Ministry

Trace learning theory, liturgical practices, and technology in ministry. Design lessons, assess curriculum, and apply creative methods for teaching biblical truth that are interactive, multi-sensory, and communal.

MIN-310: Leading Volunteer-Based Ministry

Learn to recruit, train, and manage volunteers in church and parachurch settings, emphasizing leadership development and discipleship.

MIN-334: Spiritual Formation

Explore the significance of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and deepen your life with God through prayer, Scripture, spiritual disciplines, and spiritual community.

THE-356: Theology II

Examine pneumatology, soteriology, ecclesiology, and eschatology from biblical, historical, and systematic perspectives, with emphasis on both orthodoxy and orthopraxy.

MIN-441: Nonprofit Ministry & Leadership

Explore structure, finances, governance, and communications of churches and nonprofits, including 501(c)(3) operations, budgeting, and board management.

View all of the courses for your academic program.

Academic Catalog

General Education

The Cornerstone Core™ Statement

The Cornerstone Core offers a groundbreaking general education unlike any other college or university in America. Faith, civic understanding and career preparation are fully integrated into one coherent formation. Developed by our renowned Christian worldview scholars, this focused 33-credit-hour curriculum develops both depth of character and clarity of thinking. The Cornerstone Core new general education curriculum is an antidote to the rising popularity of relativism, skepticism, doubt and moral ambiguity. Graduates are prepared to succeed in their professions and strengthen the institutions and communities they serve as Biblically grounded moral leaders to influence the world for Jesus Christ.

Students in every major study three areas:

The Beauty of Christianity

Examine the beauty of God, the Gospel, and the core doctrines of the Christian faith. Discover the coherence of a worldview rooted in God’s truth through Scripture applied today —- shaping character, conviction, and spiritual depth. We believe that beauty is more important than arguments and these courses will introduce students to the grandeur and beauty of Jesus and His creation and our place in the redemptive work of Jesus.

The Wisdom of the American Experience

Engage with Cornerstone’s Great Works Canon of the American Experience, by exploring the original speeches, sermons and foundational texts that shaped the American Republic, wrestling with enduring questions of liberty, order, duty and self-government. Graduates will learn what it means to be Christian citizens who are dutiful, wise, and formed with character to influence themselves, their families, and our nation.

Marketplace Intelligence

Develop analytical reasoning, scientific thinking, ethical utilization of artificial intelligence, commitment to free market economics, ethical clarity, and truthful and effective communication strategies to create solutions to complex challenges and serve society and humanity with excellence. Graduates will be able to consider and discern what is true, beautiful and good.

Learn more about the Cornerstone Core.

Learn More

Ministry Concentrations

Expand your career opportunities and gain specialized skills with concentrations in pastoral ministries, discipleship & formation, student & family ministries, children & family ministries or cross-cultural ministries. You must choose one concentration from the list below.

Pastoral MinistriesDiscipleship & FormationStudent & Family MinistriesChildren & Family MinistriesCross-Cultural Ministries

Pastoral Ministries

Pastoral Ministries Concentration

Prepare to lead and serve congregations through biblical preaching, shepherding and administration. Courses may include:

  • MIN-375: Church in Transition – Explore the theological identity of the Church, its role in society, and evolving ministry models in response to cultural and societal shifts.
  • MIN-381: Internship I: Career Development – Explore and refine your calling to ministry and identify areas of ministry gifting through practical experience in an internship context as well as class reading, reflection, and discussion.
  • MIN-382: Internship II – Teacher and Teaching Task – Develop leadership and communication skills through practical ministry experience in an internship context, small group leadership, and guided self-reflection.
  • MIN-451: Soul Care in Ministry – Develop a theological and practical approach to spiritual care, exploring models of soul care for church and parachurch ministry.
  • MIN-453: Homiletics – Study and practice the art of crafting and delivering biblical messages, including devotionals, homilies, teachings, and sermons for diverse ministry settings.

Discipleship & Formation

Discipleship & Formation Concentration

Nurture spiritual growth in individuals and communities through biblical teaching, mentorship, and faith development strategies. Courses may include:

  • MIN-311: Evangelism & Discipleship – Develop practical skills for sharing the Gospel and guiding new believers in Bible engagement, prayer, obedience and community.
  • MIN-381: Internship I: Career Development – Explore and refine your calling to ministry and identify areas of ministry gifting through practical experience in an internship context as well as class reading, reflection, and discussion.
  • MIN-382: Internship II – Teacher and Teaching Task – Develop leadership and communication skills through practical ministry experience in an internship context, small group leadership, and guided self-reflection.
  • MIN-434: Spiritual Formation II – Deepen your spiritual growth through discernment, community, and response to suffering, engaging Scripture, spiritual disciplines and a formation retreat.
  • MIN-451: Soul Care in Ministry – Develop a theological and practical approach to spiritual care, exploring models of soul care for church and parachurch ministry.

Student & Family Ministries

Student & Family Ministries Concentration

Minister to youth and support family discipleship. Courses may include:

  • MIN-311: Evangelism & Discipleship – Develop practical skills for sharing the Gospel and guiding new believers in Bible engagement, prayer, obedience and community.
  • MIN-381: Internship I: Career Development – Explore and refine your calling to ministry and identify areas of ministry gifting through practical experience in an internship context as well as class reading, reflection, and discussion.
  • MIN-382: Internship II – Teacher and Teaching Task – Develop leadership and communication skills through practical ministry experience in an internship context, small group leadership, and guided self-reflection.
  • MIN-440: Student & Family Ministries – Learn best practices for ministering to youth and families, addressing spiritual, emotional, relational, and developmental needs in church and parachurch settings.
  • MIN-453: Homiletics – Study and practice the art of crafting and delivering biblical messages, including devotionals, homilies, teachings, and sermons for diverse ministry settings.

Children & Family Ministries

Children & Family Ministries Concentration

Cultivate faith in young generations through biblical teaching, discipleship and family engagement. Courses may include:

  • PSY-237: Child Psychology – Explore human development from conception through adolescence, examining key theories, research, and real-world applications through labs and field trips.
  • EDU-352: Teaching Young Children – Explore curriculum, teaching methods, and classroom strategies to support the developmental and language acquisition needs of children from birth through kindergarten.
  • PSY-363: Positive Psychology – Explore research on gratitude, hope, mindset, and human flourishing, applying interventions for children, adolescents, and families in various settings.
  • EDU-373: Teaching Infants/Toddlers & Clinical Experience – Study child development theories, assessment methods, and teaching strategies to support developmentally appropriate, holistic growth in infants and toddlers.
  • MIN-381: Internship I: Career Development – Explore and refine your calling to ministry and identify areas of ministry gifting through practical experience in an internship context as well as class reading, reflection, and discussion.
  • MIN-382: Internship II – Teacher and Teaching Task – Develop leadership and communication skills through practical ministry experience in an internship context, small group leadership, and guided self-reflection.

Cross-Cultural Ministries

Cross-Cultural Ministries Concentration

Develop skills in biblically faithful cultural intelligence, intercultural communication, and contextualized ministry to serve diverse communities and global missions. Courses may include:

  • COM-311: Intercultural Communication – Examine the similarities, differences, and key factors that shape communication between people and groups from diverse cultural backgrounds.
  • MIN-311: Evangelism & Discipleship – Develop practical skills for sharing the Gospel and guiding new believers in Bible engagement, prayer, obedience and community.
  • MIN-381: Internship I: Career Development – Explore and refine your calling to ministry and identify areas of ministry gifting through practical experience in an internship context as well as class reading, reflection, and discussion.
  • MIN-382: Internship II – Teacher and Teaching Task – Develop leadership and communication skills through practical ministry experience in an internship context, small group leadership, and guided self-reflection.

Influential Careers with a Bachelor of Arts in Ministry Degree

  • Pastor
  • Youth Pastor
  • Children’s Ministry Director
  • Family Ministry Director
  • Discipleship Pastor
  • Worship Leader
  • Missionary
  • Nonprofit Ministry Director
  • Campus Ministry Leader
  • Small Group Coordinator
  • Church Administrator
  • Community Outreach Coordinator
  • Biblical Counselor
  • Evangelism Coordinator
  • Christian Camp Director

Tuition

On-Campus

On-Campus

$22,000 per year

Generous scholarship and payment options available.
Review information about student fees and housing packages on our Tuition & Fees page.

ScholarshipsFile the FAFSA

Your Degree Starts Here

Start your degree at one of the most affordable Christian universities in the region. An admissions counselor is ready to help you begin the enrollment process.

  1. Apply — our application is free.
  2. Set goals — your admissions counselor is here to guide you.
  3. Maximize your credits — you could transfer in up to 75% of your degree credits.
  4. Discover affordability — scholarships and grants are available for qualified students.

As a ministry major, Cornerstone has helped prepare me for what working in the local church will look like as well as how to care for the souls of those whom I am serving. The spiritual formation aspect of ministry is something that I didn’t realize I needed more training in, and the classes I have taken have helped immensely with that.

—Garrett B.

My participation in the Cornerstone community has empowered me with confidence, dedication, and love for people. My worldview has shifted and Cornerstone has helped me build a foundation for seeking Christ and compassion in my future endeavors.

—Ana R.

Cornerstone gave me a firm foundation. I grew so much in my faith over the past four years and because of that, I have more confidence to go into the world and share the gospel with others around me.

—Halle S.

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Grand Rapids, MI 49525

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